The Rise of Smart Packaging: QR Codes, NFC, and Augmented Reality

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In an increasingly digital world, packaging is no longer just about protecting and branding a product—it’s becoming an interactive experience. Smart packaging, incorporating technologies such as QR codes, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Augmented Reality (AR), is revolutionizing the way consumers engage with products. These advancements offer new opportunities for brands to enhance customer experience, ensure authenticity, and optimize supply chain management.

1. QR Codes: Bridging the Physical and Digital Worlds

QR codes have become a widely adopted tool in smart packaging due to their ease of use and ability to connect consumers with digital content instantly. Brands are leveraging QR codes to:

  • Provide Product Information: Detailed ingredient lists, user manuals, and safety instructions are accessible with a simple scan.
  • Enhance Consumer Engagement: QR codes direct users to promotional videos, loyalty programs, or exclusive content.
  • Ensure Product Authenticity: Counterfeit prevention is achieved by linking unique QR codes to blockchain-based verification systems.

2. NFC Technology: Instant Interaction with a Tap

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a contactless technology that allows consumers to interact with packaging simply by tapping their smartphones. NFC-enabled packaging is revolutionizing industries by:

  • Improving Security: Authentication features ensure that consumers receive genuine products, especially in high-value markets like pharmaceuticals and luxury goods.
  • Enhancing Customer Experience: Interactive storytelling and personalized recommendations become possible through NFC-enabled smart packaging.
  • Streamlining Inventory Management: Retailers and manufacturers use NFC tags to track product movement and optimize supply chain logistics.

3. Augmented Reality: Bringing Packaging to Life

Augmented Reality (AR) transforms ordinary packaging into an immersive experience by overlaying digital content on physical products. Companies are using AR to:

  • Offer Interactive Tutorials: Step-by-step guides and 3D demonstrations help customers use products effectively.
  • Boost Brand Engagement: Gamification and virtual try-ons create unique and entertaining experiences.
  • Improve Sustainability Messaging: AR storytelling educates consumers on eco-friendly initiatives and recycling guidelines.

4. The Benefits of Smart Packaging for Businesses and Consumers

  • Increased Consumer Engagement: Smart packaging keeps customers engaged beyond the initial purchase, building brand loyalty.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Brands gain valuable consumer behavior insights, helping refine marketing strategies.
  • Enhanced Sustainability: Digital instructions reduce paper waste, and smart tracking minimizes product losses and overproduction.

5. The Future of Smart Packaging

As technology continues to evolve, smart packaging will become even more integrated into everyday consumer experiences. Future innovations may include AI-driven personalization, voice-activated packaging, and deeper integration with the Internet of Things (IoT).

Conclusion

Smart packaging is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a present-day reality transforming industries. By leveraging QR codes, NFC, and AR, brands can create more engaging, secure, and efficient packaging solutions that enhance customer experience and drive business growth. Companies that adopt these innovations early will position themselves as industry leaders in the digital packaging revolution.

Stay Ahead with Athena Executive Search

To stay competitive in the rapidly evolving packaging industry, you need top talent who understand smart packaging innovations. Athena Executive Search specializes in connecting businesses with industry-leading professionals to drive digital transformation and innovation.

Subscribe here for expert insights, job opportunities, and the latest trends shaping the future of packaging.

The importance of career strategy

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A career left solely to chance is an unwise gamble. Without the implementation of a clear and workable career strategy, there is a real risk of missing any opportunities that come your way, or even stagnating at a particular point you were hoping to move on from more quickly.

Work hard

During the early years of a career, you quickly climb the ranks by being the sharpest, brightest and most capable team player. You make sure you are the one who answers emails the quickest, the one who always volunteers for overtime and regularly comes up with ideas which far outshine those of your peers. But as your career progresses and the top of your game is in reach, the importance of a defined career strategy remains. Undertaking large projects which deliver time or cost savings – or other financial gain – carry more weight at senior manager or director level.

Plan

With plans come goals, with goals come motivation – and with motivation comes results.

Your career strategy will change and evolve over time, and will need constant review and consideration. In a world where there aren’t enough hours in a day and work is constantly piling up, months roll by unnoticed. But force yourself to regularly set time aside to assess where you are and where you’re going.

Be Specific

Work out specifically what you want to achieve in your career and by what date. Also consider whether there are gaps in your knowledge, in any technical practices or legal requirements for instance. Even as a senior manager or director, some new business concepts or procedures can require the acquisition of new skills and understanding. If so, consider what degrees or accreditations you may need to pursue, and what path you’ll need to take in order to get there. Study can require a large investment of your time and if a Masters or PHD is required for a position you want in three years’ time, you would really need to start applying now.

Get noticed

A recent study has shown that hiring an external candidate into a company means they’re paid 18-20% more than internal workers who are promoted upwards. Although unfair, it does point to the idea that professionals are often taken for granted inside their own companies. Whilst that doesn’t mean you constantly need to move around between organisations, if you do stay at the same company, it’s important to cultivate a strong external reputation. Get networking and get yourself noticed. Not only will you potentially open doors for yourself further down the line, you’ll also reduce the risk of blending into the background. You’ll remind your boss and colleagues that your abilities are appreciated – and sought after.

Athena Executive Search specialise in recruiting senior leadership positions in the Print and Packaging sectors globally. Please get in touch if you are contemplating a career move or looking to recruit. For access to more articles on industry topics, recruitment and retention strategies, and our upcoming webinar series with industry thought leaders please subscribe here: https://athena50147.activehosted.com/f/1

 

 

The Future of Packaging: Emerging Trends Reshaping the Industry in 2025

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1. Sustainable Packaging Takes Center Stage

Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Consumers and regulators are demanding eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging materials. Companies are increasingly investing in biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable packaging solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. In 2025, expect to see more:

  • Plant-based packaging derived from renewable resources like cornstarch and seaweed.
  • Minimalist packaging designs that reduce material waste without compromising product protection.
  • Recyclable mono-material packaging, eliminating complex multi-layer plastics that are difficult to process.

2. Smart Packaging Enhancing Customer Engagement

The rise of IoT (Internet of Things) and digital technologies is revolutionizing packaging. Smart packaging solutions enhance product traceability, improve customer interaction, and provide real-time insights. Key innovations include:

  • QR codes and NFC (Near Field Communication) technology enabling consumers to access detailed product information, promotions, and authenticity verification.
  • Temperature-sensitive packaging for perishable goods, ensuring food and pharmaceutical safety.
  • Augmented reality (AR) experiences, allowing brands to create immersive storytelling through interactive packaging.

3. The Rise of Refillable and Reusable Packaging

In a bid to reduce single-use packaging waste, brands are embracing refillable and reusable models. From beauty and personal care products to household cleaning supplies, consumers are increasingly opting for sustainable alternatives. Major trends in this space include:

  • Refill stations in retail stores, where customers can bring their own containers.
  • Subscription-based refill models, reducing packaging waste and promoting brand loyalty.
  • Durable, reusable packaging made from glass, aluminum, and other long-lasting materials.

4. AI and Automation Transforming Packaging Operations

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are streamlining packaging production and improving efficiency. These advancements help manufacturers reduce costs, minimize waste, and optimize supply chain management. Expect to see:

  • AI-driven quality control systems detecting defects and ensuring consistency.
  • Automated packaging lines, increasing production speed and reducing human error.
  • Robotic packing solutions, improving accuracy and reducing labor shortages.

5. Flexible Packaging Gaining Popularity

Flexible packaging continues to gain traction due to its lightweight, cost-effective, and durable nature. This trend is particularly prominent in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and e-commerce industries. Benefits of flexible packaging include:

  • Extended shelf life for perishable goods.
  • Lightweight materials, reducing transportation costs and carbon footprint.
  • Improved barrier protection, maintaining product freshness and safety.

6. Regulations Driving Change

Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations on packaging waste and environmental impact. In 2025, packaging companies must comply with:

  • Plastic bans and extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies requiring companies to manage post-consumer waste.
  • Stricter labeling laws, ensuring transparency in sustainability claims.
  • New recycling infrastructure investments, improving circular economy practices.

7. Personalization and Customization on the Rise

Brands are leveraging digital printing and variable data printing to create personalized packaging solutions. Customization not only enhances the consumer experience but also fosters brand loyalty. Notable trends include:

  • Limited-edition packaging designs, catering to seasonal promotions and special events.
  • On-demand packaging production, reducing waste and meeting specific customer preferences.
  • AI-powered data analysis, enabling brands to tailor packaging based on consumer behavior.

Conclusion

The packaging industry in 2025 is defined by sustainability, technological integration, and customer-centric solutions. Companies that adapt to these emerging trends will not only stay competitive but also contribute to a more efficient and environmentally responsible future. By embracing smart packaging, AI-driven automation, and sustainable materials, businesses can ensure they meet the evolving demands of both consumers and regulators.

Stay Ahead with Athena Executive Search

Navigating the evolving packaging industry requires top talent. Athena Executive Search specializes in connecting businesses with industry-leading professionals who drive innovation and sustainability. Whether you’re looking to build a skilled team or explore new career opportunities, we can help.

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Smart and specific – your perfect CV covering letter

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The perfect CV cover letter is just that – a letter. Adding a couple of paragraphs to the email you’re sending won’t hack it. According to CV Library 57% of UK employees think that a CV cover letter is essential. So what else do you need to know?

In this industry, smartness matters

People in the Print and Packaging industries care about how things are presented. So make sure your letter looks great – plenty of white space with smart formatting. There are lots of examples online, so choose a good one and copy it. Unfortunately, you don’t have much control over the Word settings that the recipient is using, so it’s a good idea to make a PDF of your letter once it’s ready.

Personalise it

Find out who you’re sending it to. Get their name and job title, and add these to the address. And when you’ve got their name, give them a quick Google, or look on LinkedIn, and see whether they’re the type who list their qualifications after their name. If they are, you get a gold star for adding them in your letter. There’s nothing like a bit of flattery to get you off on the right foot.

Say something about who you are

The point about the covering letter is to say things that aren’t obvious from the CV. Think about what kind of culture the company has and why your personality makes you a good fit.

Look at the company’s mission statement and values. If you share similar values and goals mention it in your letter. Give specific examples of what you have done that demonstrate that you will fit in with the company. Don’t just mention work related activities. Give examples of out of work activities that demonstrate a more rounded personality.

Be specific about the job

OK, so you’re actually hoping to get half a dozen applications out this weekend. Never write a standard letter that you reuse. As well as a specific name, you need to be really on the button about exactly which bit of the business you’re applying to. And pump it up a bit. So avoid “the packaging business has always been a key interest of mine” (yawn) but go for “I am passionate about packaging and the exciting developments in Packaging Ltd.’s innovative use of brand protection products.”

And say when you’re available but make it tactful. So if you’re currently between jobs, you’re “available to make an early start”.

Be positive

We often go looking for a new job because we’re fed up with the old one. This is a negative frame of mind that can easily come out in the way you express yourself. So, avoid any criticism of your current job and employer and concentrate on the positive step forward that the new job represents. You’re ready to take on greater responsibilities, move to a different part of the industry that you find fascinating.

Athena Executive Search specialise in recruiting senior leadership positions in the Print and Packaging sectors globally. For access to more articles on industry topics, recruitment and retention strategies, and our upcoming webinar series with industry thought leaders please subscribe here: https://athena50147.activehosted.com/f/1 

 

Digital Printing vs. Traditional Printing: Which Is Right for Your Business?

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In today’s fast-paced printing industry, businesses face the crucial decision of choosing between digital and traditional printing methods. Each has its advantages and limitations, making it essential to assess factors like cost, quality, turnaround time, and sustainability. This article explores the key differences between digital and traditional printing to help you determine the best solution for your business needs.

1. Understanding Digital Printing

Digital printing is a modern technique that transfers digital images directly onto various surfaces without the need for printing plates. This method is widely used for short runs, personalized prints, and rapid production needs. Key benefits include:

  • Speed and Efficiency: Ideal for quick turnarounds, as it requires minimal setup.
  • Cost-Effectiveness for Small Runs: Eliminates the need for costly plates, making it suitable for low-volume printing.
  • Personalization and Variable Data Printing: Enables businesses to customize each print with unique text or images, such as in direct mail campaigns.
  • Eco-Friendliness: Uses less waste and fewer chemicals compared to traditional methods.

2. Understanding Traditional Printing

Traditional printing encompasses methods like offset lithography, flexography, and screen printing, which rely on plates or screens to transfer ink onto paper or other materials. This approach is often chosen for high-volume production and specific print finishes. Key advantages include:

  • Superior Print Quality: Produces sharper, more consistent images with vibrant colors.
  • Cost-Effectiveness for Large Runs: Although the setup cost is high, bulk printing reduces the per-unit price.
  • Versatility in Substrates: Works well with a wide range of materials, including metal, plastic, and fabric.
  • Longer-Lasting Prints: Offset and screen printing produce durable prints resistant to fading.

3. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Digital and Traditional Printing

Cost and Budget

  • Digital printing is cost-effective for small print runs, eliminating the need for plates and reducing setup costs.
  • Traditional printing becomes more economical for large-volume projects due to lower per-unit costs after initial setup.

Turnaround Time

  • Digital printing offers faster production, making it ideal for short deadlines and on-demand printing.
  • Traditional printing requires more setup time but delivers efficient bulk production once plates are prepared.

Print Quality and Customization

  • Digital printing allows for on-the-fly customization and variable data printing but may have slightly lower resolution and color accuracy compared to traditional printing.
  • Traditional printing excels in high-definition print quality and precise color matching, particularly for branding materials.

Environmental Impact

  • Digital printing generates less waste, as there is no need for plates or excess ink.
  • Traditional printing, especially offset, uses more chemicals and materials but can be more sustainable if produced in high volumes.

4. Which Printing Method is Right for Your Business?

  • Choose Digital Printing If: You require short print runs, personalized materials, or rapid turnaround times.
  • Choose Traditional Printing If: You need large-volume production, superior print quality, and cost efficiency in bulk printing.

Conclusion

Both digital and traditional printing have their place in the industry, and the best choice depends on your business’s specific needs. By evaluating your project volume, budget, and desired print quality, you can select the most effective printing method to maximize efficiency and results.

Take the Next Step with Athena Executive Search

Choosing the right printing method is crucial for your business success, but having the right talent is just as important. At Athena Executive Search, we specialize in connecting top professionals with leading companies in the packaging and print industry. Whether you’re looking for expert talent or seeking career opportunities, we can help.

Subscribe here to stay informed about industry trends, recruitment insights, and exclusive opportunities tailored for the packaging and print sector.

 

Optimising ROI from your new hires

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As the global war for talent intensifies, the pressure is on for companies to obtain the best possible results from new hires. Investing in a clearly-defined set of processes for new employees creates a positive employee experience which encourages loyalty and the organisation protects itself from losing talented team players to competitors.

Commit to employee onboarding

Introduce your new hires via a series of induction processes, collectively known as “onboarding”. If you implement a positive onboarding process, you are more likely to retain 60 percent of all new hires for longer than three years. The numbers speak for themselves; there are substantial benefits to be had.

Celebrate your culture

The most effective onboarding processes focus on organisational culture, behaviour and knowledge, with special attention also given to expected performance. The results are remarkable: faster adjustment to working environment, increased productivity and targets reached within a shorter period of time. Everything you want your new hire to do. The best onboarding programmes from companies such as Google and Facebook tailor these strategies to the business’ ethos and personality in an engaging, original way.

Embrace structure

Giving new hires specific detail attracts positive results. For example, don’t say that your company values providing clients with a prompt reply; rather, if the expectation is for all employees to respond to client emails within one hour, say precisely this. The more structured and specific you are, the more supported new hires feel. If new hires feel supported they will be more productive.

Engage and inspire

Introduce new starters through an engaging new starter manual telling your company story and providing the details a newcomer needs to know about your company in order to feel part of the team. Details such as company-specific acronyms, key locations and dates as well as showcasing social functions, groups, reward programs and available training all help a new starter to settle in. Providing detailed insight into company culture goes a long way.

Have you remembered the why?

Training is an integral part of successful onboarding programmes – if it’s administered correctly. Combine teaching new employees how to do their job with why it needs to be done in a particular way, thereby making the process far more intuitive.

Mentors

Pairing new starters with a mentor is an effective strategy to reinforce new starter training, offer continued support and encourage relationship building within the team. Effective mentoring encourages the new starter to feel comfortable providing feedback about their experience.

Recipe for success

Immerse new starters in your onboarding processes in the first week. The secret is to tailor these processes insofar as is possible to your company ethos. When in doubt, allow innovators such as Google and its “Noogler” baseball caps for new starters, to inspire you.

The best onboarding programmes encourage new starters to feel valued, welcome and a key part of a successful team. In return, new starters are engaged, productive and keen to achieve. Just what your business needs to succeed.

Athena Executive Search. If you are serious about optimising the ROI  from your new hires in the Print and Packaging sectors Athena can help. Our 7 Step Recruiting System is designed to ensure that you can recruit and retain the top 15% of candidates in the Print and Packaging market, candidates who are motivated by much more than money. We work in partnership with our clients to fully understand their requirements and ensure that newly recruited staff are joining for the right reasons and looking to develop a long-term career.

Book in for a Client Discovery Call today by clicking on this link https://athena-executive.acuityscheduling.com/

How to attract passive candidates

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One of the main pressures bearing down on Print and Packaging organisations around the world is satisfying the constant demand for talented staff. It’s unrealistic to expect the most talented candidates to be looking for a new role at the same time you are hiring. Often the most talented candidates are happily engaged in employment elsewhere.

We call these candidates “passive candidates”. A passive candidate is someone who is employed and not looking to change their job, but who may be open to being approached. Approximately 45 percent of the current workforce are considered passive candidates who are happy to have discussions – with the right people. Let’s examine the most effective methods of attracting passive candidates.

…it’s who you know

Using an in-house employee referral programme is one of the most effective methods of recruiting passive candidates. An employee referral programme also increases in-house talent retention, because existing staff are actively promoting the company to friends, family and networking contacts. Passive candidates respond well to referral programmes, in no small part due to the credibility of their in-house contact. Also find a good specialist recruiter who knows your sector and has a good network. They will be an invaluable source of passive candidates if they have authority in their marketplace and will give you access to the very best passive candidates.

Strong branding

One of the first things approached passive candidates will do is Google your organisation and look you up on social media. Make sure your recruitment page is up to date, easy to navigate and shares the strength of your branding and company culture. Your recruitment page also needs a clear call to action, and your current career opportunities must be easily visible. Remember, talented candidates are looking for more than an attractive remuneration package. They’re looking for a company they connect with. Updating your social media feeds with information about company culture and branding creates a dynamic landing platform for the passive candidate when they look you up.

Trust is everything

Professional discretion and rock solid reliability will ensure a passive candidate discusses their possibilities with you in greater depth and detail. It can be stressful discussing a possible – and unexpected – new career opportunity. Make it clear to your candidate up front that you’ll never ring or email using their current work contact details, and you are of course happy to meet and interview outside normal working hours.

Network, network, network

A clever on-going, strategy is to ensure that you attend networking events and build up a steady stream of passive candidate contacts, to be used at a later date. It’s good policy to network whether you are recruiting for a particular role or not. If you use networking as a long range plan of action you build contacts slowly and establish trust with each of your candidates. Professional networking sites such as LinkedIn are a great way to stay in touch.

Know your candidates

When you find an ideal passive candidate, make sure you do your homework. Taking the time to research a candidate properly is worth its weight in gold. It’s extremely flattering for a passive candidate to be approached, particularly with some visible progress already made into understanding their current circumstances.

First impressions are powerful. If you want to win the war for talent in the Print and Packaging sectors, carefully thought out strategies such as these make all the difference.

Athena Executive Search. If you are serious about attracting and retaining the best talent in the Print and Packaging sectors Athena can help. Our 7 Step Recruiting System is designed to ensure that you can recruit and retain the top 15% of candidates in the Print and Packaging market, candidates who are motivated by much more than money. We work in partnership with our clients to fully understand their requirements and ensure that newly recruited staff are joining for the right reasons and looking to develop a long-term career.

Book in for a Client Discovery Call today by clicking on this link https://athena-executive.acuityscheduling.com/

Top tips to win the war for talent in the print and packaging sectors

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We are all aware of the current recruitment challenges facing our industry. It’s not surprising that many organisations are feeling the pressure. Here are our insights as to how you can win the war for talent in the print and packaging sectors.

Take a good look inside

Evaluate current employee satisfaction. One way in which you can achieve an authentic snapshot of current staff sentiment is by creating a simple in-house survey. Share your company’s direction and focus. Engage your team; find out what they think. Successful organisations examine how they can improve the experience of talented teams. Often the most effective improvements centre around employees feeling valued, acknowledged and a central element of the organisation’s future.

Recruit smarter, not harder

Nowadays, referring to the “war for talent” highlights global challenges in recruiting talented staff. With digital technologies evolving at light speed, there is a burgeoning need to attract the best candidates available to help you keep up or – better still -stay ahead. The first key to success is recruiting smarter, not harder. Consider the critical difference between merely looking for replacements and recruiting the right talent to grow your business.

Do what you do best

The global talent deficit, coupled with increasing demands for your time, means you need to play to your strengths. Trawling through piles of CVs is almost certainly not the best use of your skills. Identifying an engaging recruitment strategy particular to your organisation’s short and long term needs, however, is a great investment. Take an active role in the recruitment process. Encourage robust discussions on recruitment criteria, both within your senior management teams and with your chosen recruitment firm. Make sure everyone is on the same page and understands exactly what your organisation is looking for – and why.

Planning and communication are key

Once you have your recruitment strategy in place, turn your attention to planning. For example, it makes no sense recruiting over notoriously slow periods such as Christmas. Taking the time to plan when you are going to recruit can make all the difference. Communicate with your candidates. Be transparent; let them know when they can expect to hear from you after an interview. Don’t leave them guessing. Put yourself in their shoes. Talented candidates are looking for an organisation they can connect with.

Transparency is the new currency

You are being appraised too. Offer a glimpse of the values and culture that exists beyond the job description. Breathe life into the role. Engage candidates with your honesty. Let candidates know what it’s like to work for your company. With so much competition between organisations, candidates are reassured by a clear perception as to who you really are. Your transparency encourages candidates to communicate with greater transparency too. This offers a rare insight beyond whether the candidate can do the job, allowing you to gauge their development potential.

Now that’s recruiting for talent.

If you are serious about attracting and retaining the best talent in the Print and Packaging sectors Athena can help. Our 7 Step Recruiting System is designed to ensure that you can recruit and retain the top 15% of candidates in the Print and Packaging market, candidates who are motivated by much more than money. We work in partnership with our clients to fully understand their requirements and ensure that newly recruited staff are joining for the right reasons and looking to develop a long-term career.

Book in for a Client Discovery Call today by clicking on this link https://athena-executive.acuityscheduling.com/

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Why Your Print and Packaging Job Advertising Isn’t Working

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If you are struggling to fill your Print and Packaging roles, you need to take a good hard look at the possible reasons why.

There could be several factors which are holding the right candidates back from applying for your positions, or it could be a simple case of you not advertising with the right methods or in the right place.

Maybe you shouldn’t be advertising in the first place!

According to a recent survey by LinkedIn only 12% of candidates are actively looking for a new role with a further 13% casually looking. This leaves 75% of candidates not actively seeking a new role who would be unlikely to respond to a job advert. No wonder your advertising isn’t working! Consider asking around your network for recommendations and using a specialist Print and Packaging recruiter. Advertising may well be the wrong way to attract candidates and certainly the top 15% who will be very happy in their present roles.

Are You Advertising in the Right Way?

If you are going to advertise a role the most important part of finding the right candidates for your vacancies is formulating and placing the most appropriate adverts.

First, you should ensure that the advert you are circulating is perfect in every way. You’re not going to get the best people applying if your advert is full of spelling mistakes and doesn’t contain the correct information.

Your advert must have the correct job title, an accurate location, details on salary and any other benefits, a brief but informative job description, requirements (such as qualifications or experience needed for the post) and full details of where and how to apply (for instance, if you want a cover letter, ask for one).

Have You Placed It Appropriately?

Once you have the perfect advert, you need to position it in front of the perfect candidates – and that means making sure it is placed on the right job boards, websites and social media channels.

When advertising Print and Packaging jobs, for instance, you should make sure the details are circulated in specialist Print and Packaging publications / websites. Using the most popular general all-purpose ones is also a must.

Make sure to promote it via your own website and social media channels, too, and remember to include keywords to enhance your chances of reaching more people.

Is Your Application Process Too Complicated?

If you are asking every candidate to fill in a five-page competence-based application form and produce a thousand-word essay on their skills and experience, you may well be putting people off applying in the first place.

Keep your application process simple and relevant. And make sure you respond to everyone who meets your criteria promptly and appropriately – leaving candidates waiting around for weeks could mean you lose the chance to even interview them.

Are You Expecting Too Much?

Hanging around waiting for the perfect candidate who meets all your criteria to apply may just end in disappointment. You will probably have to compromise: the right person for the job may not have as much experience as you would like or possess all of the qualifications you are demanding.

And don’t expect hundreds of people to apply for every job – some more specialised roles will only see a handful of applications.

Is Your Brand Strong Enough?

One more rather harsh reason your job advertising isn’t doing as well as you’d hoped could be that your company’s reputation isn’t as good as you thought it was.

It’s a fact that people are reluctant to apply for a position with a firm they have heard bad things about.

Unfortunately, the only way you can change this is to become a better employer. Start by looking up employee reviews of your firm online, and then ask your current workers how you can improve. If you have a high turnover of Print and Packaging staff, this will be well worth the effort.

Athena Executive Search specialise in recruiting senior leadership positions in the Print and Packaging sectors globally. For access to more articles on industry topics, recruitment and retention strategies, and our upcoming webinar series with industry thought leaders please subscribe here: https://athena50147.activehosted.com/f/1

How to succeed at your print and packaging interview

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Interviewing for a job you really want can be stressful. In fact, the more senior your position, the more adept you are expected to be at juggling the various facets of human behaviour and professional experience. We’ve put together a selection of suggestions to help you nail your next interview.

Preparation

Beyond the essential choices such as being suitably presented and arriving at the interview at least fifteen minutes early, you will need to know everything there is to know about the company, the recruiter interviewing you – and your own CV.

Why would you need to know anything about the recruiter? A good recruiter will evaluate how well you build rapport during the first few minutes of the interview. Nothing quells nerves like preparation: arm yourself with an understanding of the hiring company, so you can lead the conversation if required.

It’s easy to forget to re-read your own CV. It’s natural to think you know it. Never underestimate the power of nerves, especially if you particularly want the job. Mapping your strengths to your employment history showcases your ability to maintain clarity under pressure. At this stage of your career, this is exactly what you need to demonstrate.

A great attitude engages and elevates your answers

An expert recruiter assesses a candidate in the context of a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication skills simultaneously. They are looking to see whether you are capable of handling the role and how well you will fit in to the company management team.

How you present your character and disposition is crucial, because in leadership roles these qualities affect how well you fit in to company culture. Authenticity, humility and confidence in yourself are key. A great one liner pep talk to give yourself is: “I am the solution for this company”. It’s a positive and empowered statement that eradicates any unnecessary anxiety about other candidates and focuses your attention.

Tell us a story…

Anyone can list leadership qualities and management strengths. Offer concrete examples of how you embodied those qualities and strengths in previous roles.

Stories enable you to navigate tricky questions such as the classic, “What’s your greatest weakness?” or being asked to describe an experience where you clashed with a superior. A saccharine answer will not satisfy. Interviewers are looking for an experienced leader with development potential, someone who is able to cope with the inevitable challenges of working life, how you deal with confrontation, whether you can admit accountability and how effectively you process and apply feedback.

You may also be asked to discuss a project that failed. In addition to the above, you’re being evaluated for the degree of responsibility you held, how you made decisions, how you rallied after a mistake was made, what you learned and what you considered your role in the failed project to be.

End on an uplifting note, confirming that you applied the lessons learned as you moved forward and how the company benefitted. Highlight how your strengths complement any challenges facing the company.

And lastly give an example of what interests you about your specialist area within the print and packaging industry. Thread your natural enthusiasm for your work throughout your interview.

Good luck!

Athena Executive Search specialise in recruiting senior leadership positions in the Print and Packaging sectors globally. We promise to make our interview with you as enjoyable as possible! For access to more articles on industry topics, recruitment and retention strategies, and our upcoming webinar series with industry thought leaders please subscribe here: https://athena50147.activehosted.com/f/1